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The Bintangor Tree Introduction In 1987, an American scientific expedition arrived in Sarawak to identify plants that could be used to treat cancer. However the focus of their study switched when they came across the bintangor tree and two chemicals extracted from it - Calanolide A and Costatolide. During preliminary laboratory tests it was found that the chemicals showed signs of halting the spread of Aids. The Sarawak government received news of the discovery in 1992. A Sarawakian scientist was then sent to the US to join the project team. Research continues today and focuses on Costatolide as it is more readily available than Calanolide A. In order to obtain the Costatolide, the bintangor tree is first ‘tapped’ for its sap in much the same way as rubber. Small incisions are made in the tree bark so that the sap flows out and can be collected in a small container. The Costatolide is then extracted from this sap; therefore it can be harvested as a renewable resource. The Rayu Trail at Kubah National Park passes through rainforest that contains a number of bintangor trees. Visitors may be able to see some trees which have been tapped for this potential rainforest remedy. |
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